Freight crime is costing the UK economy £700m a year - what can we do about it?

Freight crime is on the rise, costing the UK economy an estimated £700 million in 2023, according to the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Freight and Logistics. This isn’t just about lost revenues - it also includes VAT and insurance costs, impacting drivers, operators, and the entire supply chain.

A call for industry action 

At Fagan & Whalley, we recognise the need for urgent, collective action. This crisis threatens driver safety, compromises cargo security, and undermining the resilience of the UK’s logistics operations. 

The logistics industry is known for its resilience, but freight crime demands more than just endurance - it requires proactive measures to protect people, goods, and the future of our sector. 

This month, we’re delving into what freight crime involves, its impact on the industry, and the steps needed to combat it.

Understanding freight crime

Freight crime refers to the unlawful targeting of goods during transportation or storage. This includes theft from vehicles, trailers, and warehouses, fuel theft, tampering with shipments, and organised attacks on logistics operations.

Alarmingly, these crimes don’t just occur when drivers are forced to park in unsecured locations due to limited safe parking options - they also happen in supposedly ‘secure’ facilities. This highlights the pressing need for improved and reliable security measures.

The scale of the problem

According to a study by The Road Haulage Association (RHA) published in 2024, there were 5,370 reported incidents of HGV and cargo crime in 2023 - a five per cent increase from the previous year. Additionally, incidents at motorway services rose by 59 per cent. These figures likely underestimate the problem, as many incidents go unreported.

The financial impact on logistics

Freight crime isn’t just a security issue - it’s a financial burden. In 2023 alone:

- £68.3 million worth of goods were stolen. 
- The total cost to the UK economy was approximately £700 million. 
- Since 2020, the cost of freight crime has exceeded £1 billion.

These losses are compounded by rising insurance premiums, costly delays, and the need for enhanced security measures, putting immense financial pressure on logistics companies. For smaller firms, a single incident can be devastating.

 The hidden cost for HGV drivers

The impact of freight crime extends beyond financial losses. It also affects the well-being of HGV drivers, who often face unsafe conditions due to a shortage of secure parking facilities. This lack of infrastructure leaves drivers vulnerable to organised crime, affecting their safety and job satisfaction.

Working towards a solution

Despite the challenges, Fagan & Whalley remains optimistic. Recent developments, including a call from MPs for stronger measures against freight crime, indicate progress.

The Road Haulage Association (RHA) continues to advocate for better support, securing £100 million in investment for truck parking and establishing a task force to address security gaps.

For more information on this topic visit the Fagan & Whalley website to see what we’re doing about freight crime within our industry. Alternatively, call us on 01282 771983.